Carpet beetles

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Best practice in bug control is to remove the "thing" that is attracting/keeping the bugs in a space.

As noted earlier, carpet beetle larvae feed on animal-based materials, especially wool, felt, fur, silk, feathers and leather. Commonly attacked items include sweaters, scarves, coats, blankets, rugs, down pillows and comforters, upholstery, toys, decorative items, and taxidermy mounts. The larvae often feed within fabric folds (hems, collars, cuffs, etc.) in closets, chests and boxes where items are stored for long periods. Clothing and blankets in regular use are seldom attacked; the same is true of rugs that are routinely vacuumed. Edges and undersides of rugs and carpets are more likely to be infested than areas out in the open.

Carpet beetles can also thrive on lint, hair, and debris accumulating under baseboards and inside floor vents and ducts. The pests can also proliferate on bird nests, animal carcasses, and dead insects (cluster flies, lady beetles, stink bugs, wasps, etc.), which tend to be associated with attics, chimneys, basements, and light fixtures. Unlike clothes moths, some varieties of carpet beetle will also infest seeds, cereals, pet food, and other plant-based materials. Because of this diverse diet, the pests may be found virtually anywhere in homes, often making elimination a challenge.

Managing Infestations

Preventing Infestations. As with clothes moths, the best way to avoid problems with carpet beetles is prevention. Woolens and other susceptible items should be dry-cleaned or laundered before being stored for long periods. Cleaning kills any eggs or larvae that may be present, and removes perspiration odors that tend to attract pests. Articles to be stored should then be packed in tight-fitting plastic bags or containers.

Householders intending to use moth balls, flakes or crystals should carefully read and follow label directions. The volatile, odiferous products containing naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene can be hazardous if used incorrectly. Never scatter them in open closets or other areas where children or pets can reach them. The vapors are only effective in deterring fabric pests if maintained at sufficient concentrations. Effective concentrations can best be achieved by sealing susceptible items (with the specified dosage of balls, flakes or crystals) in large plastic bags within tight-fitting trunks, totes, or boxes.

Valuable garments such as furs can also be protected from carpet beetles by storing them in cold vaults, a service offered by some furriers and department stores. Contrary to popular belief, cedar closets or chests are seldom effective in deterring fabric pests because the seal is insufficient to maintain lethal or repellent concentrations of the volatile oil of cedar.

Controlling Infestations.

To eliminate carpet beetles, you must locate all infested items. The primary source may be a seldom-used wool or fur hat or scarf on a shelf in a closet; an antique rug stored in the basement; or the remains of a bird or squirrel nest up in the attic. Carpet beetles prefer to dwell in dark, undisturbed areas where susceptible items are stored for long periods. When inspecting clothing, pay attention to seams, folds, and creases (e.g. cuffs and collars) where larvae often prefer to feed. Larvae also tend to infest the lower edges of rugs and carpeting. Use needle-nose pliers to lift the outer edge of wall-to-wall carpet from the tack strip along baseboards. Other possible locations include under/within upholstered furniture, or inside floor vents and ducts with accumulations of pet hair and lint. As noted earlier, infestations may also stem from bird nests, animal carcasses, or accumulations of dead insects such as flies or lady beetles in attics or elsewhere. Plant-based materials (cereal, pet food, bird seed, etc.) stored in kitchens and basements, or cached by rodents, are other possible sources of carpet beetles.

I don't especially want advice, I just want to feel less gross about it